#Sharing #Memories

January 30, 2013

Last week Erin Burnett ran a short segment on her show Outfront regarding the social media explosion during President Obama’s inauguration. In this clip she made a compelling argument stating that people often get overwhelmed with taking pictures, tweeting, and sharing photos rather than enjoying the moment for themselves.

I can appreciate people wanting to share their memories, show others what they are doing, and broadcasting their lives. However, some things simply need to be enjoyed and remembered without the necessity to share, or at least not marginalized by such a necessity. Memories, especially significant ones such as a presidential inauguration, are momentous and historic events which ought to be cherished and remembered. Often times we forget this simple, yet profound, part of our lives. The act of recording and sharing an event has eclipsed the ability for an individual to enjoy the moment, appreciate it for what it is, and simply live in the moment and cherish it. In doing so people have become spectators of their own lives, an outside observer of the moment just as their friends and social media connections are. Watching an event, whatever it may be through the screen of your smartphone or camera, is not the same as seeing it with your own eyes, taking in the sounds, and enjoying the feel of the moment. Take a step back sometimes, or just keep your phones in your pocket, and enjoy life and memories for what they are.